NEW YORK (AP) — A defense lawyer has told a judge that a management consultant charged with violating a U.S. embargo against Iran is no risk to flee because it would be dangerous for him to do so.
Attorney Marc Greenwald urged Judge John Keenan Friday to free Mahmoud Reza Banki (MAH’-mood REEZ’-uh BANK’-ee) on bail as he awaits trial. He says the Banki family’s opposition to the current regime in Iran would make it dangerous for his client to go there.
Prosecutor E. Danya Perry, though, says the Banki family has close ties to the Iranian government because it runs a company that provides power to Iranian cities.
The judge said he’ll decide the bail issue next week.